RWC can put rugby back on the map in Australia

The Wallabies’ brilliant 15-6 win over Wales sent them through to the knockout phases of the Rugby World Cup unscathed. The ‘group of death’ as it was dubbed, was no problem for an Australian side firing on all cylinders after besting both host nations in the opening stage of the competition. This World Cup shapes as a wonderful opportunity to return the sport back to the limelight in Australia, should Michael Cheika’s side go all the way.

In recent years, rugby has lost its footing in the Australian sporting scene, thanks largely to a lack of rugby available for wider public consumption. Whilst, many Australians still consider themselves rugby fans, the decision of Super Rugby to reside only on the airwaves of pay TV has alienated a large amount of its audience down under. Although, club rugby (The Shute Shield) continues to find its home on free to air, it remains poorly advertised and with less than remarkable viewing numbers. However, were the Wallabies to pull off what seemed like a miracle just a few short months ago, in going deep in this World Cup, it stands to reason that fans would develop a hunger for more rugby on Australian shores.

Its been an unbelievable start to the tournament for the Aussies, with victories over Fiji, Uruguay, Wales and England to remain undefeated in heading out of the group stages. The Wallabies will face Scotland on the 18th of October at Twickenham in the quarter finals, as they look to earn themselves a spot in the final four of Rugby’s most illustrious tournament. The Australians have previously hoisted the Webb Ellis Cup on two occasions, in both 1991 and 1999 and will be looking to do so for the first time in the 21st century.

Four years ago in New Zealand, the Australians finished up in bronze position following a demoralising semi-final defeat to their Trans-Tasman rivals. This time around, they are not due to face the tournament favourite All Blacks until the final of the tournament, this could prove a blessing and may well see them go all the way to the top.

If the Wallabies do manage to achieve a famous victory in this World Cup, expect to see more and more rugby rear its head down under. That certainly won’t be a bad thing.

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